Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge paid homage to India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on his death anniversary at Shanti Van in New Delhi. The leaders laid floral tributes at Nehru's memorial and reflected on his immense contribution to the building of modern India.
Rahul Gandhi, who is a direct descendant of Nehru, described him as a visionary leader who laid the foundation for a sovereign, democratic, and modern India. In a public message, he noted that Nehru’s leadership during the formative years after independence helped India chart a path toward industrial development, social reform, and democratic governance.
“Pandit Nehru’s unwavering belief in democracy, science, and secularism shaped India’s identity in the global arena. His legacy is not just political but deeply embedded in the spirit of our Constitution and the democratic institutions he helped build,” Rahul Gandhi said.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute and said that Nehru’s ideas and actions were crucial in transforming India into a modern republic. He acknowledged Nehru’s role in setting up key institutions like the Planning Commission, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and scientific research centers, which continue to contribute to national development.
In his statement, Kharge highlighted Nehru’s commitment to social justice and economic equality. “Nehru envisioned an India where progress would reach the poorest and most marginalized. His emphasis on education, infrastructure, and industrial growth provided the roadmap for a self-reliant India,” he said.
Kharge also addressed the current political climate, stating that Nehru’s values remain highly relevant. He urged citizens to defend the principles of democracy, tolerance, and secularism that Nehru advocated throughout his life.
The tribute event was attended by several senior Congress leaders and party workers, who offered their respects and shared reflections on Nehru’s contributions. The gathering included brief speeches, recitation of Nehru’s writings, and a moment of silence in his memory.
Nehru, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 1947 to 1964, was a central figure in the Indian freedom movement and played a leading role in framing the country’s domestic and foreign policy. His emphasis on democratic institutions, planned economic development, and non-alignment in foreign affairs left a lasting impact on India’s political and diplomatic landscape.
As part of the tribute, the Congress party also shared archival photographs, speeches, and writings of Nehru on its official platforms, reaffirming its ideological commitment to his vision.
The event at Shanti Van served as a reminder of Nehru’s enduring legacy in Indian history. Congress leaders called upon citizens, especially the youth, to revisit the values Nehru stood for and to uphold the principles of unity, liberty, and scientific temper in shaping India’s future.
